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Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:19 pm
by karlrob
when building raised beds and retaining walls I have been using 4" thick posts concreted into the ground to attach the sleepers to using 6 inch countersunk screws, they seem really solid when done but I'm concerned about the posts rotting !
what measures can I take to prevent this in years to come ?
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:32 pm
by rab1
use treated timber. but it will rot eventually
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:41 pm
by darrenba
Use Oak sleepers and concrete them in?
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:54 pm
by local patios and driveway
you may get as little as 10 years from a 4x4 post. ive had a call back a few months ago at this age. not happy.
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:55 pm
by local patios and driveway
forgot to say, darren that looks great
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 10:11 pm
by lutonlagerlout
i spoke at length to a structural engineer about "timber retaining walls"
the main points to consider are
1 height over 1 m it should really be designed
2 drainage,a land drain and weepholes are a must on retaining structures,its the build up of water that causes most to fail
3 any post should be at least 600mm into the ground and also potentially anchored at the rear
4 old railway sleepers are apparently very strong,new softwood timber much less so,I had a 3by 3 post supporting a tree in my garden and it rotted through after 5 years
LLL
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 10:14 pm
by henpecked
You can get good quality hardwood sleepers from the net for about £25 a throw.